Dripping faucet? Here’s how to fix it!
Dripping faucet? Don’t worry, you can fix it yourself. It’s fast, simple and cheap. Find out how right now!
A leaky faucet can be a serious problem for a person. During the day, the noise of the leak may not be noticed due to other noises, however, it usually brings annoyance at night.
In addition to this discomfort, it is important to remember that a leaky faucet represents a waste of water. According to Professor José Francisco Toledo Piza, from Mackenzie University, a leaky faucet can waste up to 10,000 liters of water a year.
Another point that deserves attention is the damage that this moisture can cause on sinks and, in some cases, on the floor and walls. After all, this water tends to accumulate or run off through environments.
So that you don’t suffer from this problem, this article will show you how to fix a leaky faucet. It is a simple maintenance. Come on? So, good reading!
Dripping faucet: what are the causes?
Dripping faucet!
Normally, people think that a leaky faucet is careless when turning it off. This is not always true. Like any other equipment, faucets wear out over time, requiring maintenance.
The main cause of the drip is the wear of the popular “rubber” that is inside the faucet. It is a small rubber disk that can be easily changed. Its technical name is sealant.
However, not every faucet uses only this part. Seal is found on faucets that require at least one full turn to open. Some can take up to three turns to be fully opened.
There is another faucet model that, in order to be fully activated, needs to be partially opened. This is the tap torneira. An example of this model is the single-lever bathroom faucet. In that case, you’ll have to replace a part called “repair”, but don’t worry, it’s a simple procedure.
Dripping faucet: how to repair?
The first step is to close the site’s water register. This will avoid headaches with large leaks.
In some cases, you will need to remove the faucet from the sink in order to disassemble it. The faucet is attached to the furniture by a white hose, through which it receives water. In this hose there is a piece of plastic. Just turn it to release the hose and release the faucet.
Be careful not to damage this piece, as it is often fragile. Also, be careful not to get wet with water accumulated on objects.
disassembling the faucet
You will have to remove the faucet handle to gain access to the seal. For this task, you will need a screwdriver to remove the screw. Some models of faucets have a threaded handle. In this case, just turn them to release them.
Tip: If the doorknob is stuck, you can use pliers to loosen it. However, cover the area with a cloth. That way you won’t scratch the object, avoiding damaging its finish.
Maybe you can find a small protective cover. Remove it to access the repair. The repair is usually a white piece when made of plastic.
If your faucet is common, check that the seal is not inside the part. Remember it is a small rubber disk. Remove the old seal and replace with a new one.
You can find the seal in building materials or supermarkets. This piece is usually very cheap. However, check if the faucet repair shows any signs of damage, such as cracks, as in some cases it is the faucet that needs to be replaced instead of the seal. For Consultation Click Here
In this case, take the repair to a building material to be able to purchase an identical part, after all, the repair needs to fit perfectly in the faucet.
There is also the possibility that the repair is dirty. Check for any signs of dust, sand or slime, and if so, clean. Dirt can get between the seal and cause it to drip.
Cleaning faucet repair
You can still disassemble the repair to clean it. It has a small latch on its end, similar to a metal clip. Use a screwdriver to pull it out. After removing the lock, push the repair pin to release the parts from the part. Remember to observe the order of the repair parts to be able to assemble it later.
Inside the repair, you’ll notice that the metal pin has three small rubber rings. These rings are similar to the seal; when they are worn out, they can be replaced.
After cleaning or replacing the parts, it’s time to assemble the faucet again.
Dripping faucet: how to assemble the faucet?
- Thread the repair onto the faucet;
- Fit the protective cover;
- Secure the finishing pieces;
- Fix the part with the screw.
If you have removed the faucet, remember to give a loop of thread sealing tape on the part that will be fitted to the hose.
Tip: cover the sink so that no pieces fall into the siphon. This tip is also valid for bathroom sink faucets.
If, after changing the seal, the faucet continues to leak, it is a sign that the problem is the repair. You can follow our suggestion and take it apart to try to fix it or buy a new one.
This new piece usually costs around $12. The parts that form it, like rubber rings, cost a few cents.
A leaky faucet at the base is often a problem after maintenance. This occurs due to the lack of tape to seal the thread in the fitting, the wear of the plastic part that makes this fitting or due to lack of strength when threading the object.
Electric faucets are usually repaired in the same way as conventional ones. Just remember to turn off the circuit breaker to avoid accidents and to consult the instruction manual to avoid damage to the electrical part. In this case, parts may be more difficult to replace, requiring you to purchase directly from a manufacturer’s representative.
One of the ways to prevent dripping is to close the tap carefully. The faucet for a bathroom sink, for example, tends to wear out because it is used frequently. So close it with zeal.
Now that you’ve learned all about this kind of repair, you won’t have any more reason to despair if you catch your kitchen faucet dripping, will you?
